{"id":4619,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:36","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes\/getting-an-employer-identification-number-ein.html"},"modified":"2021-09-22T11:39:00","modified_gmt":"2021-09-22T16:39:00","slug":"getting-an-employer-identification-number-ein","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes\/getting-an-employer-identification-number-ein.html","title":{"rendered":"Getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Get an EIN Number<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Tim Kelly, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Employer Identification numbers (EINs), sometimes referred to as taxpayer-identification numbers, are easy to obtain and valuable to have. It’s best to think of them like Social Security numbers (SSNs) for your business. They allow the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to recognize your business for the purpose of paying taxes.<\/p>\r\n

EINs are used by employers, sole proprietors<\/a>, corporations<\/a>, partnerships<\/a>, non-profit associations<\/a>, trusts, estates of decedents, government agencies, self-employed individuals, and other business entities. Banks also typically require them when applying for a business bank account.<\/p>\r\n

Thankfully, obtaining an EIN is a free and quick process. The IRS provides guidelines that help business owners understand when it’s time to get an EIN. They’ve also offered business owners a few options for applying (online, mail, phone, and fax). Whichever you choose is simply a matter of preference.<\/p>\r\n

Key Takeaways<\/h3>\r\n